We live in a time where petrol has become extremely expensive, but thankfully automotive manufacturers have been fast tracking their alternative energy development. We have seen a flurry of all-electric cars enter our market in recent years however could the good old
hybrid be our one true saving grace?
Toyota has been a believer in
hybrid technology for years. Could the latest
RAV4 hybrid be the answer that we need? We spent time with it over the December holiday period to find out.
The
RAV4 has benefited from a long and very successful history and the latest model is better than ever. The
hybrid offering was first made available in South Africa 2021 in front-wheel drive GX-trim. This model was well received by customers looking for a practical, fuel-efficient compact SUV.
In terms of character, the
GX-R delivers a stylish yet rugged exterior with prominent black cladding, black over-fenders and a silver bumper protector. A large trapezoidal grille, with two parallel cross-bars, and wide-set fog lamps frame the blue-hued Toyota insignia - a
hybrid exclusive. The interior on the
GX-R features leather trim, as well as striking orange detailing on the stitching, seatback and console surround areas - adding a dash of flair to the cabin.
The
GX-R features
LED headlamps and daytime running lights, aforementioned fog lamps, roof rails, rear spoiler and new smoked 18" alloy wheels. Convenience specification is ample with auto air-conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, smart entry, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, five USB ports, a wireless charger, reverse camera, rear park distance control (PDC) and cruise control. Both seat heating and ventilation are on offer, as well as power seat adjustment for the driver.
RAV4 Hybrid models employ Toyota's 4th-generation
hybrid system which in
RAV4 E-FOUR execution combines a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor - on the front axle while adding a rear-mounted electric motor. The petrol engine offers 131kW and 221Nm of torque while the total system output is around 163kW.
The duel-motor setup not only provides the vehicle with new energy credentials, but adds on-demand AWD to the powertrain matrix. The electric
E-Four system automatically optimises the torque distribution ratio according to driving conditions, which can vary between 100% in the front, to a 20/80 front-rear split. Fuel efficiency remains one of the key
hybrid credentials, with the
RAV4 E-FOUR Hybrid being no exception. A combined cycle figure of 4.8 l/100 kilometres certainly validates this statement.
A few years ago we would have shunned the thought of this car,
hybrids were boring, they were silly and annoying in a world filled with high-performance naturally aspirated sports cars. Now though we strongly believe that
hybrids like this
RAV4 are the answer to our problems here in
South Africa. They offer electric drive when needed such as in traffic yet won’t see you stress about range when on that long family road-trip.
So what’s it like to live with?
We spent much of my time tootling around town where the RAV really excels in its fuel efficient advantages. At low speeds the vehicle runs on the battery and it can do so for a relatively decent amount of time. Get into a mall parking lot and the car will run in silence, on electrically. Pull away from a traffic light and the battery will get you off the line. The engine will kick in when up to speed, reducing that pesky stop and go fuel consumption.
Anyways, where the
RAV impressed even further was when we took a last minute trip to the
Drakensberg. With a full tank we left
Pretoria, the vehicle was fully loaded as we were going camping. While the drive was relatively uneventful we did notice how the battery would charge when coasting and assist the engine when going up the hills. We encountered a bit of traffic along the route due to a rather severe accident. Sitting in traffic on the N3 for around 45min might seem unpleasant as your fuel is just idled away. Not in the
RAV though. We noticed that while sitting in said traffic, the engine was off, all auxiliary power was on, including the ventilated seats. When it was time to move forward the electric motor handled forward propulsion.
After about four hours on the road we arrived at our campsite having used one quarter of the tank at 5.6l/100km. It was truly incredible to be honest that a vehicle of this size, loaded with luggage managed such impressive consumption. The trip back resulted in a fuel consumption figure of around 5.8l/100km.
Over our time with the
RAV4 Hybrid we covered around 3000km at an average fuel consumption figure of 5.9l/100km. The vehicle proved to be fuel efficient as well as more than adequate for a small family. In fact it worked a treat when the little one needed a car ride to help fall asleep. We were able to drive around in my complex on battery power alone for a good ten minutes.
Sure, the
RAV4 is not without its faults. The CVT gearbox tends to get a bit noisy when you demand everything it has to give but then again, this car is not intended to be driven like a performance car. It has been designed to offer comfort, safety and fuel economy which it does extremely well.
Should it be on your list? Absolutely
Credit: Justin Jacobs
